RESTRICTIONS aimed at protecting older people from Covid-19 may have as harmful an effect as the virus on those with dementia, according to the charity which runs a Crewe care home.

Belong, which runs the Belong Care Village on Brookhouse Drive, has released a guide to help families and friends of people with dementia recognise and overcome some of the barriers created by isolation, face coverings and social distancing.

According to the Alzheimer's Society's latest findings lockdown isolation has caused major levels of decline for people living with dementia, with 82 per cent of families reporting a deterioration in symptoms such as memory loss, reduced concentration and increasing difficulties with reading, writing and communication among their loved ones.

More than a quarter of those who filled in the survey said everyday tasks, such as dressing and cooking are now more challenging.

Belong's Admiral Nurse, Caroline Clifton, said: "As an organisation that specialises in dementia care, we were already very aware of the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness on people with dementia.

"We have been able to quickly respond to the potential risks of people experiencing a rapid downturn in their physical and mental abilities due to reduced opportunities for exercise and social interaction.

"Our focus has been on finding ways to overcome these challenges and maintain the positive wellbeing of customers."

Belong's guide harnesses the expertise of its dementia specialist Admiral Nurse team who offer tips ranging from nutrition and activity ideas to maintain exercise and social interaction while restricted to the home.

It also offers strategies to communicate with people living with dementia when wearing a mask or face covering, as well as advice on how to explain the Covid-19 restrictions to them.

Caroline added: "The past six months have been a steep learning curve for everyone so we were keen to produce something that could help support families in the wider community to recognise potential issues, especially for those who may not have formal assistance in place.

"The guide combines best practice in dementia care with innovative strategies we have found really useful throughout the pandemic."

Belong was one of the first care operators to safely introduce garden visits at its villages amid growing concerns over residents' wellbeing when family visits were suspended.

This has since been extended to socially-distanced indoor visits in some locations to accommodate for the colder weather with safety measures in place.

Belong's guide to caring for people with dementia during Covid-19 is free to download here.